At the recent Raptor Rally, I had the opportunity to catch up with Daniel Ricciardo, global Ford Racing ambassador, who arrived radiating his signature infectious energy after an 18-hour drive in his new Raptor.
His journey from the pinnacle of Formula 1 to embracing the rugged spirit of Ford Racing is exciting, especially given his long-standing personal connection to the Raptor, a vehicle he's owned for years and describes as pure "freedom."
Read on to hear his insights about off-roading, his new role, and what makes the Raptor truly special.
At the recent Raptor Rally, I had the opportunity to catch up with Daniel Ricciardo, global Ford Racing ambassador, who arrived radiating his signature infectious energy after an 18-hour drive in his new Raptor.
His journey from the pinnacle of Formula 1 to embracing the rugged spirit of Ford Racing is exciting, especially given his long-standing personal connection to the Raptor, a vehicle he's owned for years and describes as pure "freedom."
Read on to hear his insights about off-roading, his new role, and what makes the Raptor truly special.
This Raptor Rally is completely new for me, and I'm genuinely excited! I've owned a Raptor for eight years, and while I've done plenty of road trips - like driving to Vegas - I haven't really done any serious off-roading.
So, this is a thrilling new adventure. I just drove 18 hours from Austin to get here, stopping in Tucson for the night. Everyone who did the Utah event last year told me I'm in for a treat, and I can't wait.
This Raptor Rally is completely new for me, and I'm genuinely excited! I've owned a Raptor for eight years, and while I've done plenty of road trips - like driving to Vegas - I haven't really done any serious off-roading.
So, this is a thrilling new adventure. I just drove 18 hours from Austin to get here, stopping in Tucson for the night. Everyone who did the Utah event last year told me I'm in for a treat, and I can't wait.
Well, at its core, it's a truck, right? You can throw things in the back; it handles off-road incredibly well. But what makes it so special is that when I sit in it, it feels like a sports car. It's got that luxury feel, too.
So, it really ticks all the boxes. You get the hardcore off-roaders, but you also get people who love a bit of off-road but also want comfort and luxury.
I guess you could say it's like the F1 of off-road, and maybe that's why I've always loved them.
Well, at its core, it's a truck, right? You can throw things in the back; it handles off-road incredibly well. But what makes it so special is that when I sit in it, it feels like a sports car. It's got that luxury feel, too.
So, it really ticks all the boxes. You get the hardcore off-roaders, but you also get people who love a bit of off-road but also want comfort and luxury.
I guess you could say it's like the F1 of off-road, and maybe that's why I've always loved them.
For me, it's all about having fun. That's always been my approach.
In my racing career, I think people related to me because they saw how much joy I brought to it, and the competitive side was almost secondary. I just wanted to enjoy it.
I'm taking the same approach with this new role. It's a completely fresh start.
For me, it's all about having fun. That's always been my approach.
In my racing career, I think people related to me because they saw how much joy I brought to it, and the competitive side was almost secondary. I just wanted to enjoy it.
I'm taking the same approach with this new role. It's a completely fresh start.
Well, today I actually jumped the Raptor with guidance from a professional driver on a closed course, which was a blast!
When I got the new Raptor last week, the first thing I noticed was the carbon fibre inside.
For me, carbon fibre always relates to Formula 1 - it's strong, it's about performance, leaving no stone unturned.
Even though it's a truck, it feels like a race car when I'm in it. F1 was the pinnacle on the road, and the Raptor is the pinnacle off-road.
Well, today I actually jumped the Raptor with guidance from a professional driver on a closed course, which was a blast!
When I got the new Raptor last week, the first thing I noticed was the carbon fibre inside.
For me, carbon fibre always relates to Formula 1 - it's strong, it's about performance, leaving no stone unturned.
Even though it's a truck, it feels like a race car when I'm in it. F1 was the pinnacle on the road, and the Raptor is the pinnacle off-road.
Monaco is incredible, but today's jump was incredible.
I was in the T1+, and Mitch gave me the fright of my life! I definitely got more than I bargained for, but it was freaking awesome.
The itch for Baja is there, but I've got a lot to learn. A few more of these events and then ask me next year. We'll see where I'm at!
Monaco is incredible, but today's jump was incredible.
I was in the T1+, and Mitch gave me the fright of my life! I definitely got more than I bargained for, but it was freaking awesome.
The itch for Baja is there, but I've got a lot to learn. A few more of these events and then ask me next year. We'll see where I'm at!